Getting a ARE Z Series installed in a few weeks (on order) and I wanted to know what is the best method for mounting.

Since I plan on never removing it should I have them bolt it on?

If it is bolted on, since the flange of the cap goes over the rail, is there only one position the cap can go on, or can it still be adjusted. Reason I ask is I am pretty **** when it comes to things done right and I would hate to have them bolt my cap on and see that is 1/2 out of align. If the rails force it into only one position, then its a no brainier, but if the alignment is up to the shop, could they screw it up and bolt it crooked?

With the clamps I assume it can be re-aligned if messed up.

 

You are right to be concerned, when I bought my topper, Raider Vagabond, ARE were not available at the time. The installer bolted my cap to the truck. It is out of alignment by 1/2" on the drivers side. As a result, the left rear side sticks out a bit over the end of the truck. The door closes properly and I have a good seal, there has never been any moisture in the bed. My wife doesn't notice it, but I do But it bothers me.

I was not allowed to be present when it was installed, make sure you are wherever you have it installed.

good luck

 

I would go with the clamps... The are just as good overall and should you ever need to adjust or remove, you can do so much easier. Also, you won't need to put any holes in the truck!

 

I would think the clamps would be the way to go. It would then be easier to adjust if need be and you never know someday you might just want to remove it.

 

I have the ARE Z series installed on my truck. The local ARE dealer only uses the clamps to do the installation. I actually needed it to be adjusted slightly after the topper was first installed and these made it very easy. I don't think you have any worries regarding shifting or movement with the clamps if done properly.

 

I got a Leer on my rig right now and it is clamped on. I was told by the dealer to give the clamps a 1/4 turn after two weeks post install (the liner has compressed a little under the clamps). It's been on for three months now and I take the torque wrench to it about once a month (specs are in the cap manual), and it has yet to move or shift at all.

IMHO, I would go with clamps, incase you might have to remove it for any reason.

 

Never say "Never"...

 

For 7 years my clamped Raven topper never moved or came off untill the body shop had to take it off due to an accident (a Honda CRX threw itself in front of my truck while doing 50 mph-felt llike hitting a pot hole.
The shell never budged btw.
After repairs, they clamped it back on crooked. I fixed it ina bout 5 minutes.
If you follow up on the clamp tightness once after initial install, it should be trouble free from there on out.
If you're **** as the rest of us here, anything less than perfect alignment is gonna drive you crazy and a bolt in is gonna be tough to fix.
IMHO......
bed rail protectors, clamper her down and recheck within a week.